Image: ANI
During a raid related to a 2022 bomb blast case, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) team was assaulted in Bengal’s East Medinipur district on Saturday. The attack occurred in the Bhupitaninagar area, resulting in injuries to an officer of the anti-terror agency.
As the team conducted the raid, they were unexpectedly confronted by a mob, leading to the vandalism of the agency’s vehicle and the shattering of its windscreen.
Video footage depicted several individuals obstructing a police vehicle and confronting security personnel, with some wielding bamboo sticks.
Earlier this morning, the NIA team had made two arrests in connection with the bomb blast case, including the prime suspect, Monobroto Jana. The attack on the team transpired as they were en route back to Kolkata.
An FIR has been lodged with the local police under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act against Monobroto Jana, his family members, and other unidentified assailants.
According to sources, the NIA had informed the local police station beforehand about the raid, but adequate security measures were reportedly lacking.
However, police sources contend that the NIA team arrived in Bhupitaninagar at 5:30 am, earlier than scheduled, and subsequently requested reinforcements.
The situation has since been brought under control, with authorities launching an investigation into the assault.
The Bhupatinagar blast occurred in December 2022 at the residence of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader in Naryabila village, claiming three lives. The NIA commenced its investigation in June 2023.
This incident follows closely after an attack on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team in Bengal’s Sandeshkhali on January 5, where expelled TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan was eventually apprehended after evading capture for nearly two months. Several of his associates, including his security guard and brother, have also been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the January 5 attack on the ED team.
